310°

LittleBigPlanet boss "annoyed" by controls

Eurogamer: "Media Molecule co-founder Mark Healey has admitted that controlling LittleBigPlanet "annoys" him, but insisted the studio can "refine" this after the game releases.

With thousands of gamers currently getting an early experience of the much-hyped title via the beta, some have complained about the basic controls of Sackboy, specifically moving the character between planes in the "2.5D" perspective.

Speaking to Eurogamer TV last week, Healey acknowledged the issue, stating: "The Z [axis] movement is an incredibly hard thing for us to get right. There's times when it annoys me actually, but we can work on that if we want, and refine it. But on the whole, we got to a good place with it I think, because we wanted to cater for my mother and someone that's a hardcore player, so it was hard to get the balance there."
Alternative Sources:
LittleBigPlanet controls an... - ps2.boomtown.net | By: SUP3R
Johnny Cullen - contributor
Published: 456 days 2 hours ago | News | PlayStation 3
 
 

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Captain Tuttle - 456 days 1 hour ago
1 -
I really respect developers who are truthful about their games, for good or for ill, especially for one that is as hyped and anticipated as LBP. Mr. Healey seems like a class act.

Edit: Why is "News" in the title?
1.1 JokesOnYou | 456 days ago - User only got 1 bubble - Show
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Why o why - 456 days ago
1.2 - Jokes
90+% of games released fall into that category spanning ALL formats so i get your point dont get me wrong but its down to each individual. some may not have an issue or they may just implement another control layout. Thank whoever for public beta's huh. If the majority of devs were honest or weren't up their own asses comments like his wouldnt be so rare, believe me.
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Mr Bun - 456 days ago
1.3 - @Joke
I found the controls in the beta to be annoying at times as well but it is on a very small scale. It isn't the complete control scheme it is just along the z axis and only in certain situations which can be remedied in a number of ways. I am not going to say that the game isn't without flaws, but the flaws are very miniscule.
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znu - 456 days ago
1.4 -
Bubbles Captain Turtle

and to above, well i didn't get into the LBP beta (was in the process of moving when it happened so didn't get a chance to even plug in my ps3)

so i wouldn't really know what the game plays like but shifting in 2.5D is very hard and just for attempting it Media Molecule should get props

besides i haven't really heard anyone say anything about LBP except for that it's awesome
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jlytle1234 - 456 days ago
1.5 -
"If we want" means that the controls are not set in stone and the option to change them is still there if there was a problem. Personally the game controls great and i cant imagine how they could change it up to be any better. And its strictly a personal feeling of his own that the controls are annoying. Ive not heard anyone complain.
You cant fathom how great this game is.
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sajj316 - 455 days 23 hours ago
1.6 -
Joke .. the controls of Resident Evil 1, 2, and 3 just annoyed the heck out of me but it did not ruin an awesome game in RE2.
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kindi_boy - 455 days 23 hours ago
1.7 - @joke
am sure alot of people will regard you as a retard which is not really far from the truth but i would like to tell you to hang on and hope you get better. mainly because of what you said here:

((Yeah while I respect his honesty it is troubling that a developer of a game actually admits there are times when the controls "annoys" him, forgive me but if he's annoyed and he created the game I wonder just how annoyed the avg player may get. Also after he admits it can be annoying he goes on further to say:

"...but we can work on that if we want, and refine it."

uhm, really "if we want" just sounds so careless, again I don't want to overstate this I understand that dev's have to deal with alot of nitpicking from the naysayers but as a developer it seems to me if you know something isn't right especially something you noticed yourself beforehand, your goal should be to fix it before release, especially something to do with controls. Hopefully I'm wrong and this is just a "slight" issue that can be overlooked, which is why he doesn't seem to concerned, hopefully.

JOY ))

facts:
1-avg player may never get annoyed.

2-avg player may get little annoyed.

3-avg player may get annoyed the whole time (he said he wanted his grandma(wii lovers) and hardcore players play the game so they added that hard part and other stuff to appeal for both audience.

4-if it annoys HIM it doesn't mean it annoys the whole world.

5-if they felt like changing it because there is NOTHING BROKEN it's not a glitch they INTENDED for it to be that way so what they feel is what you play basically if you don't like the way they "feel" don't buy their games.
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rushbd - 455 days 23 hours ago
1.8 - I have a LBP beta key
If you have WipeOut HD on your account PM me... :)
1.9 JokesOnYou | 455 days 22 hours ago - User only got 1 bubble - Show
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Tarasque - 455 days 21 hours ago
1.10 -
I mean this is obvious. You could tell in the videos the controls was not very tight. But hey being they are trying to get my mother to play i will play with sucky controls. That's right sarcasm, like i have said upteen times before. Well i am not going to say it no more.....Besides i get more depressed each time i see a video. Just create something and watch not really play. How uber fun that would be. That's right sarcasm again.
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StephanieBBB - 455 days 20 hours ago
1.11 - Strange, I find the controls of LBP to be perfect.
I mean how hard is it to master R1 for grabs and then X for jumping, X flick down for jumping down or flick up for jumping up? I can see some people with zero timing find it hard and frustrating to play because it's crusial in all platformers unlike fps's and rpg's.

The only thing I find annoying sometimes is the camera in create mode. It zoom's out by itself sometimes which is stupid.
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shovelbum - 455 days 19 hours ago
1.12 -
I got the beta this morning and played for about two hours (had to get kids from school) and will play much more in the next few days. The game is much more than I anticipated. I figured it would be great for the kids but we'll fight over it. I barely scratched the surface since I just began my first construction. The control is only a minor concern. it could be better but no way a deal breaker.
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mikegekko - 455 days 11 hours ago
1.13 -
C'mon though, if they were touting it I suspect we would hear a different tune. I look at this as being more of a tactic to get the "feel good" gamer to buy into it.

What scares me the most about all of Sony's big titles this gen is:

- Beta codes, why the heck does this platform need beta codes for every BIG title?

- Why is this platform always based on updates for all the good games, we are into year 2 now. What gives?

Don't get me wrong, I'm just say'n. Something really is just not right at this point.
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sajj316 - 456 days 1 hour ago
2 -
While I do respect the opinion of others ... moving in a 2.5D perspective is a good first step. It makes sense for the sequel to LittleBigPlanet to move into full 3D space.
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The Lazy One - 455 days 21 hours ago
2.1 - not really...
There's plenty of 3d platformers already. It's not a first step. If they do LBP2 3d, it'll be a step backwards to get back to where you already were.

I do think it would be a fun game fully 3d, but I just don't understand your justification that 2.5d is a first step towards it as there's plenty of 3d platformers that do it well already.
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rbbrdman - 456 days 1 hour ago
3 -
I feel the same way it is really hard to find things to not like about the game. But I'm in the beta build and the 2.5 D enviroment can present some issues. But mainly if the level your playing is not built to account for it.

One other thing is I feel like they should tighten the movement of L3 stick. Too often it feels just a little 'off'.
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juuken - 456 days 1 hour ago
4 -
I agree.

I'm in the beta too and I found times where I would try to jump up on something and sometimes it messes me up. Hopefully these issues will be ironed out because this game is AMAZING.

I played online with some friends last night. Lol, I was cracking up so much. xD
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Mr Bun - 456 days 1 hour ago
4.1 - Juuks
Moving along the "Z" plane can unpredictable at times, but that is why the game is only getting 10/10 instead of 11/10!
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jlytle1234 - 456 days ago
4.2 -
have you seen the calculator video or the ffx theme video? Wow!
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Mr Bun - 456 days ago
4.3 - I did see the calculator...
Brilliant...maybe not much in terms of simple adding and subtracting but huge in terms of possibilities!
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juuken - 455 days 23 hours ago
4.4 -
Yeah, you're right Buns. But this game is just PHENOMENAL. I had so much fun customizing my sackguy and sackgirl.

That calculator video was awesome. Now if someone did a Math-related level, that would be even cooler.

EDIT: o.o Mr. Bun.
...
...
...
^__^

Hey, it's alright. I don't mind the shortcut. :3
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Mr Bun - 455 days 23 hours ago
4.5 - I can see it now...
Sackboy/Sackgirl moving into a classroom near you.

PS...I haven't been called "Buns" since college lol!

Juuks: It was probably called for to call me buns seeing as I call you "Juuks", it just made me laugh being called "buns"...I suppose I have a lot of growing up to do.
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rbanke - 455 days 23 hours ago
4.6 -
My experience is that it's a unpredictable for the first bit that you play, but after a short time, you get used to how it works. I dont really have a problem with it after playing it for a while. Luckily it's not a game breaker.

Now if we could get people to stop making 1984763192874 '<insert game name> remake' and come up with original ideas for levels it would be even better
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Tarasque - 455 days 21 hours ago
4.7 - @juuken
You know that game is a kid game when you hear and i quote..

"But this game is just PHENOMENAL. I had so much fun customizing my sackguy and sackgirl."

I have yet to hear anything about how great the levels are that are provided with the game, i have yet to hear how awesome the platforming is. All i hear is how cool this created level is that you just sit on a block and watch it go across the map playing the Sweet child of mine tune. Or how cool this map is that you just hold onto a wheel and watch it run through the map. THAT SOUNDS SO EXCITING I AM ABOUT TO BUST!!! *roll eyes*. I MEAN SERIOUSLY THAT'S WAY BETTER THAN ACTUALLY PLAYING A LEVEL.
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juuken - 455 days 21 hours ago
4.8 - Tarasque
And based on your rant, anyone with a brain can tell that 1. You're jealous of the game, 2. You've neglected the fact that this game deserved the hype, and 3. You want this game to fail.

I can't pick apart your rant because it would be useless to do it.

The Lazy One: I used that game as an example. What, are you not allowed to use examples in arguments or something? And why would I mention that in an article that's pertaining to LBP? Oookay, so perhaps I should say 'for example'.

I edited, so are you happy now?
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The Lazy One - 455 days 21 hours ago
4.9 - @juuken
He never mentioned the PS3, Banjo, or the 360. He was talking about LBP and LBP only.

Get a grip on yourself before you default to yelling RROD.
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badkolo - 456 days ago
5 -
so theres an issue with the game and thats a good thing now, great spin guys.
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Mr Bun - 456 days ago
5.1 - @^Troll
Speaking of "spin", why don't you "spin" yourself around and stay out of the PS3 threads.
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The Lazy One - 456 days ago
5.2 - oh sorry...
I must have got sucked in here by the vortex of you all shooting out of the 360 section when you saw "LBP".

edit: clearly... as this comment section is flooded with rabid fanboys jumping on the negative news rather than fans of the game rushing to support it in it's time of need. Dare I even to point you to the comment section of this article?:
http://www.n4g.com/industry...
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Mpiece - 456 days ago
5.3 -
@ 5.2 LOL , that was funny
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Why o why - 456 days ago
5.4 - The Lazy One
that was funny.

but u know some just cant WAIT for some negative lBP news. Its like it allows some to get to sleep like nytol or the soothing smell of lavender or something
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juuken - 455 days 23 hours ago
5.5 -
...Okaaaay, what did you mean by that?
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games4fun - 455 days 23 hours ago
5.6 - its not an issue imo
the reason there are problems is because the sackboy automatically switches planes to make it easy on the gamer. Nobody is thinking about the countless times the sackboy switched planes on his own saving the player. But they do remember when the coding for auto switch and the control conflict with each other. simply put unless you want to die alot more and have it not as fun ruining it for casual players you'll keep it the way it is.
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Tarasque - 455 days 21 hours ago
5.7 - @badkolo
Don't worry it is ok for them to move their stuck up nose in the 360 threads. But golly george stay out of our threads.
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LeShin - 456 days ago
6 -
Well I found an easy fix while working on my second level...

I'm making the level completely 2D!
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ScubaSam21 - 456 days ago
7 - badkolo read next time before bashing
There isnt major issues in this game. I am in the BETA and love this game. Some of the controls are little iffy at times, but it doesn't hinder the experience. When the Xbox has a game this good, let me know. I own both consoles and have yet to have the same experience that I have with the LBP beta on the 360.

Just like any other game coming out, they will have a patch to resolve it. Read the article before bashing next time.

Healey added that the game had been designed so that changes could be made post-release, via a downloadable update.
"There's definitely room for improvement and we've got the channel to be able to do that as well," he said. "I'd really love to be able to do backflips and all kinds of things with my Sackboy, and there's no reason why we can't add that and refine that."
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Halochampian - 455 days 13 hours ago
7.1 - hey
send me your xbox gt and then I could send you a message with a game title.
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JEDI WOLVERINE - 456 days ago
8 - Maybe they should take a leaf from Treasures book
Treasures Sega Saturn 'Guardian Heroes' game had a wierd 2.5d thing going on and they implemented a simple way from jumping to the 3 different plains available.

Still,a little niggle at the end of the day.
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ToastMan018 - 456 days ago
9 -
you know i've been so excited about this game since day one that i never thought about future updates and dlc and now reading him talk about doing backflips with sackboy and other things gets me really excited about the future of littlebigplanet...come on now!...backflips! thats awesome haha
10 GametimeUK | 456 days ago - User only got 1 bubble - Show
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Mc Fadge - 456 days ago
11 - I don't mind it
I thought it worked well on the most part, and it's only annoyed me on a few occasions. However, the issue CAN be eliminated through level design, so it's not all rain. And even if it is, the game isn't tarnished at all <3
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piekat - 456 days ago
12 - It's a small issue
I'm in the open beta since day one and what I think is that the "z axis movement issue" happens quite infrequently. It's mainly related to poor level design. In the "Story" levels (designed by MediaMolecule) I've got very few problems moving on the Z axis, while on user made levels it's easier to notice it (including the only level I published). Anyway it doesn't change my opinion on this game, it's one of the best games ever and I've never liked platform games before.
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Wolf873 - 456 days ago
13 - I have to admit, I thought the same about LBP,
it annoys me when sackboy can't make the jump right or won't stop at the right moment. That's the only complaint I have otherwise its all good. Also, I was told that there is no custom soundtrack feature in this game, as in inserting your own mp3 into the level from the HDD, is it true?
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Mc Fadge - 456 days ago
13.1 - No music uploading
And using in levels, people suspect copyright issues.
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Wolf873 - 455 days 22 hours ago
13.2 - Thanks for the info...
that means I have to utilize in-game music feature to set the mood for the level.
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badkolo - 456 days ago
14 -
i didnt say theres an issue with the game, the guy did, hesaid the controls have an issue going between 2 and 2.5, so did most of oyu in the beta, im not bashing the game, and to the moron telling me to stay out of here go jump off a bridge, i had my ps3 from day one did you??.

i made my comment because while there is a slight control problem people seem to be ok with it, but the facts are if it was for a 360 game it would be called a flop right now and you guys would be screaming about it nd how it would never get fixed.

so while there is a little control porblem all of a sudden its no biggie and the games is perfect, that doesnt make sence.
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badkolo - 456 days ago
15 -
if in gears2 or killzone2 or resistance2, if you couldnt get to your cover perfectly due to a a control issue, that game would flop.

if in any game when your tryng to do something and it doesnt work perfectly, its a problem, so lets not dilute the issue here just becuase people have a hardon for this game.
16 Crazywhitie | 456 days ago - User only got 1 bubble - Show
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Mc Fadge - 456 days ago
16.1 - What's wrong with the controls?
I find them different from other platformers, but that's what it is, a different platformer. The controls aren't meant to be sharp in order to avoid that bullet in 0.2 seconds, because that's not what you do in LittleBigPlanet
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